Why Skip Schumaker has used All-Star Jacob Latz so little this month

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Latz trots to the mound as he comes in to face the Baltimore Orioles in the ninth inning at Globe Life field in Arlington, August 7, 2026. Latz got the save in a 2-1 win. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Rangers have used their most valuable pitcher (and, arguably, their most valuable player, regardless of position) less than a handful of times this month. 

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker isn't concerned that All-Star closer Jacob Latz has only pitched four times this month, though, because he knows a run will eventually come that forces him into games on a regular basis. Latz logged 44 2/3 innings in 35 games in the first half of the season but has only thrown 11 1/3 innings in nine games in the second half so far, in large part because the Rangers have had fewer save situations to use him in. 

"They come in bunches," Schumaker said of closer opportunities. "You'll have four or five days off, and then you'll have this run of one or two-run games, and all of the sudden you're in there it feels like every single day. The time off is actually okay in my seat. In his seat, he wants to be on the mound to get a feel, but in my experience, the closing position comes in bunches and you want to be ready for those times." 

Latz recorded his league-high 12th multi-inning save in Saturday's 5-3 win against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. The 30-year-old hadn't pitched since five days prior, and though he did post two scoreless frames in relief, he lamented a lack of command that led to an abnormal amount of fastballs that sailed well above the strike zone. He acknowledged it is "tough when you're not out there a lot."

"[Staying] fresh is not the problem," Latz said. "It's just the rhythym and timing of everything at game speed. It's good to cycle through the negative thoughts while I'm out there and just focus on tying to finish the game. I'll hang my hat on that, but obviously, a lot to clean up going forward."

The Rangers hope they'll have more opportunities to use him in the weeks to come.

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This article originally published at Why Skip Schumaker has used All-Star Jacob Latz so little this month.